Evaluation of health literacy, self-care, and quality of life of patients receiving chemotherapy

Authors : Perihan Toraman, Zülfünaz Özer

Pages : 372-381

View : 22 | Download : 36

Publication Date : 2025-09-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: This study was conducted to examine the relationship between health literacy, self-care and quality of life in patients receiving chemotherapy. Materials and Method: This study was conducted between March and October 2023 at a training and research hospital in Istanbul. It is a descriptive, and cross-sectional study involving 103 patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy. Study data were collected through one-on-one interviews by using “Patient Information Form”, “Health Literacy Scale (HLS)”, “Self-Care Agency Scale (SCAS)” and “EORTC QLQ-C30 Quality of Life Scale”. The data obtained in the study were evaluated in the SPSS.25 software Results: The mean scores were 111.8±11.83 for HLS, 118.25±18.11 for the SCAS, 75.8±16.84 for the Functional Scale, 26.14±17.57 for the Symptom Scale, and 65.61±15.9 for the General Quality of Life. The study found that self-care capacity significantly predicts functional level (β=0.463), reduces symptom level (β =-0.383), and improves overall quality of life (β =0.434). These effects remain significant when health literacy is included, which also shows a positive impact on functional level and quality of life. Conclusion: It was found that the patients’ health literacy levels were sufficient and very good. It was also found that the patients’ self-care power was good and their quality of life was at a moderate level. Self-care agency and health literacy were found to positively affect functional status and general quality of life, while negatively affecting symptom levels. Additionally, health literacy was shown to mediate and strengthen the effects of self-care agency on all three outcomes.
Keywords : Hasta, kemoterapi, sağlık okuryazarlığı, öz bakım gücü, yaşam kalitesi.

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